The Health Ministry in Gaza reported 150 people dead and 313 wounded in the last day as Israeli forces continue battling militants in the northern part of the territory. The ongoing conflict has resulted in entire neighborhoods being flattened due to Israel’s ground offensive. The latest fatalities bring the Palestinian death toll to 26,900, according to the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry. It’s important to note that the Ministry does not specify civilian and combatant deaths, but emphasizes that the majority are women and children.
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has reiterated the call for a cease-fire in Gaza.
In other developments:
— The top US diplomat is set to return to the Mideast for the fifth time since the start of the Gaza conflict
— Iran has threatened to respond sharply to any US strikes as President Biden weighs the response to the Jordan attack
— UN agencies are supporting the agency for Palestinian refugees in Gaza amidst reduction in funding by some major donors
— The EU aims to launch a Red Sea naval mission within three weeks to protect ships from rebel attacks
— You can find more of AP’s coverage [at this link](URL)ISRAELI PROTESTERS ATTEMPT TO BLOCK AID TRUCKSJERUSALEM: Dozens of Israeli protesters tried to prevent humanitarian aid from reaching Gaza despite being ordered to stay away from the border crossing used by the aid trucks. Video footage shows police clashing with the protesters, and some of them being detained. The Israeli military has sealed the area this week to prevent further protests. The Kerem Shalom crossing is crucial for the delivery of goods between Israel and Gaza. Initially, Israel had imposed a siege on Gaza but later relented under pressure from the US.
UN HUMANITARIAN AID CHIEF DEMANDS MORE AID FOR GAZAUNITED NATIONS: The Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Martin Griffiths, has called for Israel to allow more aid into Gaza. He expressed concern over the inadequate relief efforts and highlighted the challenges faced by the devastated health system in Gaza. The United States and more than a dozen other countries recently announced plans to suspend contributions to UNRWA after allegations that some of its workers were involved in attacks in Israel. This will have catastrophic consequences for the people of Gaza.
NETANYAHU CONFIRMS EFFORTS TO SECURE RELEASE OF HOSTAGESJERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that efforts are underway to secure the release of hostages in Gaza. His statement came following mediating talks involving Qatar, Egypt, and the US, aimed at reaching a deal between Israel and Hamas to free the remaining hostages and initiate a temporary cease-fire in Gaza. The October 7 attack on southern Israel resulted in about 250 people being taken hostage.
WHO HIGHLIGHTS CRITICAL STATE OF GAZA HEALTH SYSTEMGENEVA: The World Health Organization’s Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, revealed that the destroyed health system in Gaza is compelled to use donkey carts to transport injured patients. He also raised concerns about the high risk of famine and the inadequate medical support for the affected residents. He emphasized that the cessation of funds for UNWRA will have severe consequences for the people of Gaza.
U.S. IMPOSES SANCTIONS ON COMPANIES IN LEBANON AND TURKEYBEIRUT: The US imposed sanctions on three companies and one person in Lebanon and Turkey, accusing them of channeling funds to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and Hezbollah. The move comes at a time when Washington is expected to respond to a strike, likely launched by Iranian-backed militias, that killed three US troops at a base in Jordan near the Syrian border.
IRAN THREATENS RETALIATION AGAINST ANY US STRIKESJERUSALEM: Iran has threatened to retaliate strongly to any US attack on the Islamic Republic following President Biden’s linking of Tehran to the killing of three US soldiers at a military base in Jordan. This raises concerns about further escalation in the region that is already facing heightened tensions due to ongoing conflicts.
UN SECRETARY-GENERAL RENEWS CALL FOR CEASE-FIREUNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for a cease-fire in Gaza, condemning the attacks by Hamas and other militant groups. He emphasized the need to halt the military strikes that have resulted in civilian casualties and widespread destruction.
UN AGENCIES URGE CONTINUED FUNDING FOR UNRWAGENEVA: Various U.N. organizations have appealed to key donor countries to reconsider their decision to halt funding for UNRWA, the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees. The organizations emphasized the critical role of UNRWA in delivering humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza and urged for the funding to be reinstated.
EU TO LAUNCH NAVAL MISSION TO PROTECT SHIPS IN THE RED SEA BRUSSELS: The European Union is planning to launch a naval mission in the Red Sea within three weeks to defend cargo ships against attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen. The mission aims to counter the attacks that have disrupted trade and caused price hikes. Officials confirm that seven EU countries are prepared to contribute ships or planes, with Belgium already committing to send a frigate.
US DESTROYER INTERCEPTS HOUTHI MISSILE IN THE RED SEAA US Navy destroyer intercepted an anti-ship cruise missile launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. This incident marks the latest in a series of attacks on American forces patrolling the region. The intercepted missile targeted the USS Gravely, but no injuries or damage were reported. The Houthi military spokesperson claimed the attack, referring to it as a response to the American-British aggression, but the US Navy did not confirm multiple missiles being fired.
